As precipitation nationwide falls below average levels, the storage rates of agricultural reservoirs are plummeting, particularly in the southern regions. The meteorological drought has expanded to 48 cities and counties across the country, prompting the government to step up measures to secure emergency water supplies.

■ Agricultural Reservoir Storage Rate at 53.2%... Gyeongnam Hits Lowest at 39.6%

As of the 3rd, the average storage rate of agricultural reservoirs nationwide stood at 53.2%, reaching only 76.1% of the average year (69.9%). By region, Gyeongnam was the lowest at 39.6%, followed by Jeonbuk (44.6%), Jeju (48.5%), Jeonnam (48.6%), and Gyeongbuk (52.4%), with most of the southern region falling significantly below average. In particular, Gyeongnam saw a sharp drop of 13.3 percentage points from 52.9% a month ago.

■ Cumulative Rainfall Over Past 6 Months Only 82% of Average

From February 2 to August 1, the national cumulative precipitation was 603.0 mm, lingering at 82.3% of the average year (736.5 mm). All regions fell short of average levels, with figures for major regions as follows:

• Seoul·Incheon·Gyeonggi: 610.2 mm (82.2% of average) • Gangwon Yeongseo: 667.6 mm (88.0%) • Gangwon Yeongdong: 653.5 mm (99.0%) • Chungbuk: 630.2 mm (90.5%) • Daejeon·Sejong·Chungnam: 679.2 mm (99.2%) • Jeonbuk: 544.7 mm (76.1%) • Gwangju·Jeonnam: 724.5 mm (90.8%) • Daegu·Gyeongbuk: 503.3 mm (80.2%) • Busan·Ulsan·Gyeongnam: 555.7 mm (62.5%) • Jeju: 906.1 mm (98.4%)

■ Meteorological Drought in 48 Cities and Counties Nationwide... Busan·Gimhae·Ulju on 'Alert'

Due to insufficient rainfall, meteorological drought has occurred in 48 cities and counties nationwide. Southern Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam are experiencing a 'caution'-level moderate drought, while Busan, Gimhae, and Ulju are facing an 'alert'-level severe drought. The outlook indicates that precipitation in August and September will be below average, but October is expected to see above-average rainfall. Average precipitation levels are 225.3–346.7 mm in August, 84.2–202.3 mm in September, and 37.0–64.3 mm in October.

■ Domestic and Industrial Water Supply Stable... Southern Region Dams on 'Emergency'

The storage levels at 19 multipurpose dams nationwide are stable at 104.3% of average years, but 12 water supply dams are at only 66.1%. In particular, 11 multipurpose dams and 10 water supply dams in the Nakdong River and Seomjin River basins are below average levels.

By dam, Ungo Dam in Gyeongbuk is classified as 'serious,' while Miryang Dam in Gyeongnam and Seomjingang Dam in Jeonbuk are at the 'alert' level. Seongdeok Dam·Andong Dam·Imha Dam·Yeongcheon Dam in Gyeongbuk and Pyeongrim Dam in Jeonnam are at the 'caution' level.

■ Government Mobilizes All Efforts to Secure Water... "Minimizing Damage Through Proactive Management"

The government is implementing water supply measures centered on the southern region, including filling reservoirs using river water, direct water supply through channels, and deploying water trucks. On the 6th, a joint meeting of relevant agencies on "Heatwave and Drought Response" was held to review water supply measures and discuss plans to secure agricultural water in the southern region.

For Unmun Dam, alternative water is being supplied using river water from the Nakdong River and Geumho River. At Miryang Dam and Seomjingang Dam, the water supply system is being gradually adjusted, including reductions in agricultural water and river maintenance water. Domestic and industrial water supplies continue to operate normally.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated that it will continue to work with relevant ministries to closely monitor the national drought situation and proactively manage areas at risk of drought to minimize public impact.